Ever wondered what the inside of your waffle maker looks like? Yes? No? Well, even if not, you might be surprised how interesting small electric appliances are when you take them apart.

Brittny Badger has produced a wonderful series of still-life photos of disassembled small electric appliances, such as a waffle iron, electric knife, and a can opener. Rather than the usual slapdash tear-down photos one sees of the latest tech gadget, these are artfully composed images that show the inner complexity of mundane objects that we typically take for granted.

Seeing the sheer number and varying size of parts that go into a simple juicer reminds us how complex are the objects of our disposable consumer culture. Every little part is designed by someone. Every piece has meaning and function. Everything that is created has the potential for elegance, thoughtfulness, appropriateness. The spectrum of colors, the materials and finishes, and the positive and negative spaces within and around coils, cogs and wires all come together to form a surprisingly appealing palette.

About the author

Adam Richardson is the director of product strategy at frog design, where he guides strategy engagements for frog's international roster of clients, envisioning and creating new products, consumer electronics, and digital experiences. Adam combines a background in industrial design, interaction design, and sociology, and spends most of his time on convergent designs that combine hardware, software, service, brand, and retail. He writes and speaks extensively on design, business, culture, and technology, and runs his own Richardsona blog.
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